Risk Factors for Newborn Falls or Drops During the Birth Hospitalization: Analysis of 88 Reports

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Safety
• Maternal-Newborn Health
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Newborn falls and drops pose a significant risk during the birth hospitalization period.
• Understanding contributing factors is crucial for developing effective preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specific factors that elevate the risk of newborn falls or drops.
• To inform healthcare providers about high-risk scenarios for infant safety.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, cross-sectional, exploratory review of 88 newborn fall incidents across 15 hospitals.
• Data collection instrument developed from literature review and hospital fall data (September 2016-June 2025).

Main Results:

• Eleven key risk factors for newborn falls were identified.
• Significant factors include nighttime birth, cesarean delivery, postpartum days 2-3, maternal anemia, opioid/sedative use, comorbidities, and substance use history.

Conclusions:

• All newborns are potentially at risk, but certain factors increase vulnerability.
• Knowledge of these risk factors enables maternity care teams to implement targeted preventative measures for infant safety.